As someone who left North Carolina and returned down the road, I can tell you the old saying, “You don’t what you have until it’s gone,” couldn’t be more true. While several of us grew up here, it takes leaving to truly appreciate all North Carolina has to offer. If you find yourself in a new location and around new faces, you might’ve had these thoughts.
- Where am I going to find legit BBQ?
Flickr / Andrew Yee The answer is nowhere. The only place for true, NC BBQ, is indeed, North Carolina. You’ll have to save those eastern or lexington style feasts for the holidays or visits.
- I actually miss the unpredictable weather and snowday frenzy.
Flickr / steviep187 No one does snow quite like the south - it turns into an entire event. In other states (besides the south) the excitement and anxiety just isn’t there. Also, as much as we love to complain about sometimes experiencing four seasons in one week you sure miss those warm January days as soon as you’re without them.
- I would kill for a Cookout milkshake right now.
Flickr / Bee Forks Or really, anything from Cookout. The struggle is real.
- I wish someone cared about college basketball like I do.
Flickr / Max Masnick Plenty of people around the country LOVE college basketball, but it’s just a different type of love when you come from the greatest rivalry in the nation.
- Our beaches are truly the best.
Flickr / betancourt We get a little bit of everything here, turquoise water on the Crystal Coast, waves to surf in Wrightsville and Hatteras, and the magical Outer Banks. There’s plenty of beautiful beaches in the world, but none that are home.
- All I want is a hike in the Blue Ridge and to take a long drive on the Parkway.
Flickr / Ken Lane Nothing compares. The Blue Ridge Mountains might just be my favorite place on earth.
- Speaking of…I really miss fall.
Flickr / Matthew Paulson North Carolina has that quintessential, cinematic fall with perfect temps and beautiful foliage.
- I didn’t realize how many trees North Carolina has.
Flickr / alex de carvalho Unless you’re moving somewhere like the Pacific NW, you start to realize how green and beautiful North Carolina is. There’s so many trees found throughout and it almost has a jungle-like vibe in certain sections. If you find yourself in the midwest you’ll certainly start to appreciate and miss North Carolina’s greenery.
- I should’ve drank more sweet tea and ate more fried chicken when I had the chance.
Flickr / jadepalmer If you’re anywhere besides the south…this one just hurts.
- Why don’t y’all say y’all? I don’t get it.
Flickr / Lacy Even better when someone makes fun of you for saying it - or using other dialect like yonder ain’t, and buggy. Also, there’s no need to tell me I have an accent or how thick it is or ask me to say words that sound funny to you. Shove it, y’all!
- I miss southern hospitality.
Flickr / dystopos Chivalry isn’t dead, it just packed its bags and moved up North…or, over yonder.
- There’s different types of ‘south.’
Flickr / Haeckdesign With that being said, if you find yourself in the deep south like AL, LA, MS, or AR - you soon realize that this ain’t your mommas south. This is a WHOLE different breed of southerner. You also realize North Carolina is pretty progressive and more ‘classy’ in its southern approach. Bonus points if you’ve been called a Yankee while in the deep south.
- I wish I had appreciated North Carolina more when I had the chance.
Flickr / Keith Blomendaal Ugh, the most painful thought of all. You really don’t realize how amazingly beautiful North Carolina is until you have to go an extended period of time away from said beauty. You also don’t realize how easily North Carolina feels like home. But don’t worry, you can always come back, and we’ll welcome you with open arms!
So who’s ready to pack their bags and return home? I know I experienced all 13 of these thoughts plus more when I left, what about you? Any you would add?
Flickr / Andrew Yee
The answer is nowhere. The only place for true, NC BBQ, is indeed, North Carolina. You’ll have to save those eastern or lexington style feasts for the holidays or visits.
Flickr / steviep187
No one does snow quite like the south - it turns into an entire event. In other states (besides the south) the excitement and anxiety just isn’t there. Also, as much as we love to complain about sometimes experiencing four seasons in one week you sure miss those warm January days as soon as you’re without them.
Flickr / Bee Forks
Or really, anything from Cookout. The struggle is real.
Flickr / Max Masnick
Plenty of people around the country LOVE college basketball, but it’s just a different type of love when you come from the greatest rivalry in the nation.
Flickr / betancourt
We get a little bit of everything here, turquoise water on the Crystal Coast, waves to surf in Wrightsville and Hatteras, and the magical Outer Banks. There’s plenty of beautiful beaches in the world, but none that are home.
Flickr / Ken Lane
Nothing compares. The Blue Ridge Mountains might just be my favorite place on earth.
Flickr / Matthew Paulson
North Carolina has that quintessential, cinematic fall with perfect temps and beautiful foliage.
Flickr / alex de carvalho
Unless you’re moving somewhere like the Pacific NW, you start to realize how green and beautiful North Carolina is. There’s so many trees found throughout and it almost has a jungle-like vibe in certain sections. If you find yourself in the midwest you’ll certainly start to appreciate and miss North Carolina’s greenery.
Flickr / jadepalmer
If you’re anywhere besides the south…this one just hurts.
Flickr / Lacy
Even better when someone makes fun of you for saying it - or using other dialect like yonder ain’t, and buggy. Also, there’s no need to tell me I have an accent or how thick it is or ask me to say words that sound funny to you. Shove it, y’all!
Flickr / dystopos
Chivalry isn’t dead, it just packed its bags and moved up North…or, over yonder.
Flickr / Haeckdesign
With that being said, if you find yourself in the deep south like AL, LA, MS, or AR - you soon realize that this ain’t your mommas south. This is a WHOLE different breed of southerner. You also realize North Carolina is pretty progressive and more ‘classy’ in its southern approach. Bonus points if you’ve been called a Yankee while in the deep south.
Flickr / Keith Blomendaal
Ugh, the most painful thought of all. You really don’t realize how amazingly beautiful North Carolina is until you have to go an extended period of time away from said beauty. You also don’t realize how easily North Carolina feels like home. But don’t worry, you can always come back, and we’ll welcome you with open arms!
Another realization – just how colorful North Carolina is! Especially at these ten destinations.
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